Tips for a Too-tall Person?

**Cruiser161** · 04-27-2009, 10:13

I am 6'3" and 215 pounds, and I am having trouble finding the correct way to lie comfortably flat in the hammock. Mine is an Explorer UL, which has the 110" ridgeline.

I have experimented with hanging a little looser (maybe helps a little, not sure), hanging feet higher than head (helps a lot), and putting a pillow under my knees (helps a little), but I still feel as though I am too tall for the hammock--head jammed at one end and feet jammed at the other, and knees and head higher than middle. Is it likely that the hammock is the issue, or is it how I am using it? In the Hennessy models, only the Safari Deluxe has a longer ridgeline, and that is just two inches longer for a significant increase in weight.

Even if I am too tall, it certainly is better than sleeping on the ground, but I have not experienced the "best night's sleep I've ever had" that some of you report. I believe I would if I could solve this issue. I'd appreciate any help or advice you have.

**Coffee** · 04-27-2009, 10:21

Is that the longer of the hh? If so it is the one I had. I am about the same as you. It worked ok. I switched out for other reasons.

The ridgeline is there to give a consistant hang. I would pull it tight each time. Is it hitting your head and your feet at the same time? Are you laying on the diagonal? Head to the left and legs to the right.

**capref123** · 04-27-2009, 10:23

Cruiser:

I am 6'2", 185 pounds, so not too far off from you in size. I have the exact same Hennessey hammock, as well as a Blackbird. In general, I find the BB easier to get stretched out in...the 'footbox' area provides a longer area for you to stretch out in.

Just my .02...you might want to try one out.

**Cruiser161** · 04-27-2009, 10:28

Originally Posted by Coffee

Is that the longer of the hh?

I switched out for other reasons.

Are you laying on the diagonal? Head to the left and legs to the right.

Yes, that is the longest HH except for the Safari, which is 2" longer, and I lay head to left and feet to right.

What did you switch to, if I may ask?

**Cruiser161** · 04-27-2009, 10:28

Originally Posted by capref123

Cruiser:

I am 6'2", 185 pounds, so not too far off from you in size. I have the exact same Hennessey hammock, as well as a Blackbird. In general, I find the BB easier to get stretched out in...the 'footbox' area provides a longer area for you to stretch out in.

Just my .02...you might want to try one out.

Thanks--I may do that.

**Coffee** · 04-27-2009, 10:50

Originally Posted by Cruiser161

Yes, that is the longest HH except for the Safari, which is 2" longer, and I lay head to left and feet to right.

What did you switch to, if I may ask?

DIY Speer made a little longer than usual. The longer the hammock the flatter you can lay, minus the bridge hammocks, hh, and warbonnet (too a point). The length helps with other things on them.

I'll have to admit I have a blackbird, but don't have enough nights in it to comment.

**vitamaltz** · 04-27-2009, 11:54

Cruiser, I used to use the same hammock as you and I'm the same height. I had the same problem. My knees would get uncomfortable from bending the wrong way all the time. I've tried a friend's smaller Hennessy and the discomfort is even more pronounced. From what I hear, the Blackbird would probably solve the issue, but I didn't want to take any chances, so I made a bridge hammock that fits my height. That gave me a perfectly flat lay and the elusive best night's sleep I've ever had.

I still use the HH, but I do best side sleeping in it. Going into the fetal position makes me short enough to fit quite well.

**Cruiser161** · 04-27-2009, 12:01

Originally Posted by vitamaltz

Cruiser, I used to use the same hammock as you and I'm the same height. I had the same problem. My knees would get uncomfortable from bending the wrong way all the time. I've tried a friend's smaller Hennessy and the discomfort is even more pronounced. From what I hear, the Blackbird would probably solve the issue, but I didn't want to take any chances, so I made a bridge hammock that fits my height. That gave me a perfectly flat lay and the elusive best night's sleep I've ever had.

I still use the HH, but I do best side sleeping in it. Going into the fetal position makes me short enough to fit quite well.

Thanks, vitamaltz.

**Ramblinrev** · 04-27-2009, 12:55

The safari is only two inches longer rideline but it is significantly wider. Enough so the supershelter does not properly fit it. It may be the width that you are feeling. But the increase in weight may not be worth the change. I went from a safari to an EXplorer UL because the safarii was just too big for my use. Plus I wanted to get into cold weather camping. As much as I love my HH hammock, it might well be some other brand or a DIY style might be more in your line.

**Cruiser161** · 04-27-2009, 14:53

Originally Posted by Ramblinrev

The safari is only two inches longer rideline but it is significantly wider. Enough so the supershelter does not properly fit it. It may be the width that you are feeling. But the increase in weight may not be worth the change. I went from a safari to an EXplorer UL because the safarii was just too big for my use. Plus I wanted to get into cold weather camping. As much as I love my HH hammock, it might well be some other brand or a DIY style might be more in your line.

Thank you. I like keeping the view outside that the HH offers, but which I understand the bridge hammocks and the BB would reduce or eliminate. Thus, I am beginning to feel that a DIY gathered-end hammock, longer/wider than my current HH, is a solution worth pursuing. I probably will try a little harder to adapt to the existing hammock before I begin my sewing career, however--that would be a new and foreign skill set for me.

I appreciate the replies and advice I have received--this forum is an amazing resource.